Man Arrested for Possessing Hypodermic Needle

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced its second drug related arrest of Middleburgh residents this week.

Sheriff's Deputies arrested forty-two year old Joseph Panetta on Monday, July 21st for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument in the Town of Schoharie. 

Mr. Panetta was detained by the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office after an investigation by the Schoharie County Probation Department discovered he was in possession of the illegal instrument. 

The suspect was arraigned in the Town of Schoharie Court and was released to appear back at a later date. 

Two Middleburgh Teens Arrested for Pot Possession

In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest of two Middleburgh teenagers who were found to be in possession of marijuana in the valley community. 

Joshua McDonnell, 18, and an unnamed seventeen year old girl, were both arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana on Friday, July 18th, while parked on Mill Valley Road in the Town of Middleburgh. 

They would be subsequently released on appearance tickets to come before the Middleburgh Town Court at a later date. The female's name was withheld by the Schoharie News due to her status as a minor and to spare any embarrassment. 

Broome Resident Arrested for Grand Larceny

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department announced on Monday the arrest of a Broome man for allegedly using another individual's credit/debit card information to make online purchases without the owner's consent. 

Nineteen year old Jacob T. Kenney was arrested at approximately 4:20 p.m. Monday, where he was subsequently charged with committing Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and released on an appearance ticket. 

He was scheduled to appear before the Broome Town Court on Tuesday, July 8th for further action.

Sheriff's Office Responds to Richmondville ATV Accident

Schoharie County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of an ATV accident on Cross Hill Road in the Town of Richmondville Friday evening at approximately 8:30 p.m, where the driver sustained injuries - but none severe. 

Joseph Kruithoff, age 64, of Pennsylvania was operating a 2002 Kawasaki on private land toward the tail end of the holiday when he lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to strike a tree. 

He was transported by Richmondville Ambulance to Albany Medical Center for non life threatening injuries, and no tickets were issued. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by members of Richmondville Fire and Ambulance squads. 

Middleburgh Man Arrested for Stalking

On Saturday evening at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office arrested fifty three year old Stephen Anderson of Middleburgh for Stalking in the Fourth Degree on a warrant after an investigation into an incident where he repeatedly made unwanted communication with another person.

Mr. Anderson was arrested on Main Street in the Village of Middleburgh, and then was subsequently arraigned and remanded on $2,000 cash bail to appear in the Town of Middleburgh court at a later date. 

Youth Released From Albany Med Following Car Vs. Bicycle Accident in Carlisle

Two days after a motorist struck a teenage bicyclist in the Town of Carlisle, causing the youth to be transported to Albany Medical Center for injuries sustained from the accident, the fifteen year old has been released and no charges will be filed against the driver according to Sheriff Desmond. 

Furthermore, a passenger in the car was also transported to and released from Albany Medical Center with a wrist injury. 

The accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:00 p.m. when the bicyclist rode out of his driveway in front of his driveway and was hit by the vehicle. Members of the Carlisle Fire Department and Rescue Squad were on scene along with the Cobleskill Rescue Squad. 

Sheriff Desmond told the Schoharie News this morning that, "As schools let out for summer vacation the Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone to be safe while engaged in warm weather activities."

Lawmakers Offer Bills Seeking "Peace Officer" Status for Schoharie Tac-Force Members

ALBANY, 06/16/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) announced earlier this week senate approval of a bill he sponsors granting peace officer status to officers and members of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Tactical and Rescue Force.  Senator Seward’s bill (S.7720) was the result of a dialogue  between the Schoharie County Sheriff, the Tac-Force, and Schoharie County’s legislative team.

“The Schoharie County Tac-Force is a critical component of the sheriff’s department, filling voids and providing support in a host of situations,” said Senator Seward.  “The men and women who make up this specialized unit are highly trained and help meet emergency preparedness needs.”

Currently, Schoharie County Tac-Force members are only officially defined as “peace officers” when preparing for or responding to an emergency situation.  Senator Seward’s legislation will provide them with peace officer status while working at public festivities, parades, fairs, and other similar events, “pursuant to their special duties.”

“The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department relies on the Tac-Force to provide essential services, and to keep taxpayer costs in check.  Elevating Tac-Force members to full peace officer status is an appropriate action and fits with the duties and responsibilities these men and women already perform on a regular basis,”  Senator Seward added.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Tactical and Rescue Force (Tac-Force) is a volunteer component of the sheriff’s department which provides security during public events, crowd control, search and rescue, traffic control, and assistance to road patrol deputies when needed.

Senator Seward has been a consistent supporter of the Schoharie County Tac-Force, securing a $25,000 state grant for the unit in 2013 to help purchase communications equipment, bullet proof vests, and uniforms. 

Companion legislation (A.9842A) sponsored by Assemblyman Pete Lopez has been introduced in the state assembly.

State Police Arrest Teen Driving 103 on I-88

State Police Arrest Teenage Speeding on I-88

On Monday, New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill arrested seventeen year old Kevin Lenehan of Delanson after he was observed driving a 103 miles per hour on Interstate-88 in the Town of Schoharie. The driver, according to police reports, repeatedly asked why he had been pulled over. 

The State Trooper on scene smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle while interviewing the driver. A search of the blue Honda Civic del Sol revealed that Lenehan and his passenger, seventeen year old Harrison McQueeny, of Duanesburg, were both in possession of the criminal substance. 

Both teenagers were ticketed and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Schoharie Court on June 16th, at 4:00 p.m. 

Sheriff's Department Arrest Schoharie Man Following Stewart's Incident

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced the arrest of forty-eight year old Ward Arnold Jr. of Schoharie for Harassment in the Second Degree following a incident at the Schoharie Stewart's on Monday morning.

Arnold was reportedly harassing a female patron in the convenience store. The suspect was issued an appearance ticket to appear before Town of Schoharie Court on June 16th. According to the Oneonta Daily Star, he was previously arrested by Sheriff's Deputies for Harassment in the First Degree back in 2009. 

Sheriff's Office Arrests Fugitive from Justice on Laundry List of Charges

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced the arrest of forty year old Jameson L. Perrotti and his girlfriend Johnnie Venzke of Sharon Springs after a traffic stop in the Town of Carlisle Friday morning, where Perrotti was charged with Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument after being in possession of hypodermic needles upon his arrest.

According to a press release issued by the Sheriff's Office, a vehicle operated by Venzke was stopped after Perrotti was observed as a passenger in her vehicle; there were several outstanding warrants for his arrest from both law enforcement agencies in Schoharie County, New York and Orange County, Florida.

Perrotti 

Perrotti was wanted by local law enforcement stemming from an incident on May 18, in which the suspect failed to comply during a traffic stop in the Town of Sharon by fleeing officers at the scene on foot. He was charged with Vehicle and Traffic misdemeanors of Reckless Driving, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree and Failure to Comply with a Police Officer along with eight other Vehicle and Traffic violations. Additionally, he was also wanted on Penal Law charges of Reckless Endangerment and Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument in the Town of Sharon. 

Local law enforcement has been attempting to locate Perrotti for approximately on month on an outstanding warrant from the state of Florida. The warrant was issued by the Orange County Sheriff's office in Orange County, Florida for Theft in the Third Degree, a felony. The suspect was additionally charged with being a Fugitive from Justice for the outstanding warrant from Florida.

The suspect was arraigned in the Town of Sharon and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $5000 cash bail or $10, 000 bond on the local criminal charges. He was also arraigned in the Town of Sharon on the charge of being a Fugitive from Justice and was remanded without bail to reappear in Schoharie County Court at a later date pending extradition.

Venske was charged with Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree for knowingly assisting Perrotti and knowing there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. She was arraigned in the Town of Sharon court and remanded to the Schoharie County jail in lieu of $500 bail or $1000 bond to return to the Town of Carlisle court at a later date.

Deputy's Quick Thinking Identifies Missing Cohoes Man in Schoharie

In a story first reported by News 10 ABC Monday afternoon, a missing Cohoes man was discovered in the Village of Schoharie earlier that day by an alert Schoharie County Sheriff's Deputy who observed the man bicycling through the municipality while on patrol. 

According to Sheriff Tony Desmond, Deputy Terry Minton was unaware that the subject was reported missing, but upon interviewing the man and learning of his name, further investigation led to a successful determination that he was, in fact, the missing individual. 

He was then taken to the Sheriff's Office, where the Cohoes Police Department was notified and they informed the man's family of his discovery. Family members would later come to the Sheriff's Office that night and took him home. 

Praising the work of the alert officer, Sheriff Desmond told the Schoharie News that, "Deputy Minton did a good job in recognizing that something was not right." The Sheriff would go on to add that the Deputy's actions, "saved the man's family from more concern about his whereabouts."

Sheriff's Office Investigating Sharon ATV Accident, Driver Remains Hospitalized

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV accident that occurred on Route 10 in the Town of Sharon on Thursday night, slightly north of the Village of Sharon Springs, according to a press release submitted earlier this afternoon by the department. 

At approximately 8:00 pm, Franklin Butler of the Town of Sprakers was operating his 2003 Artic Cat ATV southboundd on Route 10 when he lost control. Mr. Butler was subsequently ejected from the machine and sustained severe head and neck trauma.  

The operator was airlifted to Albany Medical Center for evaluation, where he remains at this time. In addition to local Deputies, members of the Sharon Springs Fire Department and Rescue Squad, along with several Schoharie County Medics, were also on scene. 

Sheriff's Office: No Arrest Made, But Tri-Agency Investigation Working on Car Break-In Spree

According to a press release issued Wednesday afternoon by the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, there have been no arrests made in several vehicle related break-ins spanning the county, but out of the crime spree a tri-agency investigation has emerged to resolve the situation.

The break-ins, which started on Easter Sunday in the Village of Schoharie and soon spread to the Villages of Middleburgh and Cobleskill earlier this week, have local law enforcement investigating leads to track down those responsible for the thefts that claimed prescription drugs, electronics, and in one case, at least one debit card.

Officers in the Cobleskill and Schoharie Police Deparments are working on break-ins reported in their respective jurisdictions, while the Sheriff's Department is looking into four cases that occurred in the Village of Middleburgh.

Anyone who has any information concerning these matters is asked to call the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office crime tip line at 518-295-2295 or the Cobleskill Police Department at 518-234-2923.

Jefferson Woman Arrested for Welfare Fraud

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a Jefferson woman, now identified as thirty-three year old Clara Cross, on an arrest warrant out of the Village of Schoharie Court on 3 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 2nd Degree and 2 Counts of Welfare Fraud in the 5th Degree.

Ms. Cross was arrested at approximately 6:30 pm last Friday evening, and was subsequently released and issued a ticket to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on Tuesday, April 22. 

Local Law Enforcement Talk Down Troubled Carlisle Woman in Standoff

At approximately 11:15 am Tuesday morning, local State Police and the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office received calls concerning the welfare of a woman residing on Route 20 in the Town of Carlisle. Law enforcement personnel from both agencies responded, with State Police arriving first.

Upon their arrival on scene officers learned that the middle aged woman had poured gasoline through out the house and that she was located in the cellar, where she preceded to pour gasoline on herself as well. She was alone in the residence. 

Troopers and Deputies attempted to talk her into coming outside the residence, but she refused and then threatened to harm herself. Recognizing the potential for an explosion and fire, it was requested that fire and rescue squads be dispatched to the scene. 

Schoharie County 911 Dispatchers activated the Carlisle, Central Bridge and Esperance Fire Departments to respond, whereupon Central Bridge Fire Chief Scott Johnson assumed fire command. Chief Johnson would request additional support from the Sharon Springs and Cobleskill departments, in addition to the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad and County Fire Coordinators. 

As the situation continued to deteriorate, State Police requested the presence of negotiators and a Mobile Response Team to be brought on scene, where after hours of a contentious standoff, the woman exited her house around 2:30 PM and was transported by the Rural Metro Ambulance to Ellis Hospital for evaluation. 

Praising the work of law enforcement and emergency responders on scene, Schoharie County Sheriff Tony Desmond stated that, "what started out in a dangerous situation ended with no injuries due to the excellent cooperation of all responders."

Sheriff's Office Arrest Two for Possession of Syringes, Endangering Child

On March 12th 2014, the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashley Oliver, 29, of Schoharie, and Frank Taylor, 22, of Schoharie, both for Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, while conducting an investigation into stolen prescription drugs, executed a search warrant on Prospect Street in the Village of Schoharie. As a result of this search warrant, several used syringes were located throughout this residence, almost all within reach of a 5 year old child who also resided at this residence.

Ashley Oliver was arraigned in the Village of Schoharie Court, and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 secured bond; to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on 03/24/2014.

Frank Taylor was arraigned in the Village of Schoharie Court, and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 secured bond; to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on 03/24/2014.

The Schoharie County Child Protective Services were notified, and assisted at the scene.      

Man Gored by Irate Buffalo in Town of Richmondville

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department issued the following update on March 4th, 2014: "The name of the man who was injured by the charging Bison is BrianWare, he is 34 years old and resides in the Town of Richmondville. As of this writing, he has been released from the hospital."

In the midst of loading bison onto a cattle trailer for transport in over the weekend, a local man was chased and gored by an irate Buffalo in the Town of Richmondville. 

The man, whose identity has not been released at this time, attempted to run away from the charging beast but tripped and fell in the snow, where he was attacked and impaled by the one-ton behemoth. He was then brought to safety by the other wranglers on the scene, who immediately called 911. 

Photo credit: Times-Union

The incident, which occurred Saturday evening around seven at the Grumpy Buffalo Farm on Harroway Road, left the man in severe pain and with difficulty breathing, but fortunately members of the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad arrived quickly and treated the victim on scene. After stabilizing the man, they transported him to Albany Medical Center for further treatment.  

He reportedly suffered no internal injures, according to Schoharie County Sheriff Tony Desmond. 

Sheriff's Office Discovers Summit Man Trapped in Home, Suffering from Hypothermia

Editor's note: The Sheriff's Office filed the following press release early this morning to local news organizations.

At 12:15 today, February 25, 2014, the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office received information from a concerned citizen reporting that a subject who resides on Mud Lake Road in the Town of Summit was potentially in need of assistance. 

The Sheriff’s Office, Richmondville Fire Department and The Summit Rescue Squad responded to the scene and found entry to the house was blocked due to a large amount of snow. There was no indication that anyone had been in or around the house for several days.

Upon entry they found a 76 year old male resident in serious need of medical care. There was no heat in the home.  The subject was suffering from hypothermia, frost bite and dehydration. The subject was transported to Cobleskill Regional Hospital and admitted in serious condition. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that during this cold weather, they should check on their elderly neighbors or call the authorities if they are unable to do so.

Any questions related to this press release can be directed to Sheriff Anthony F. Desmond. Sheriff Desmond can be contacted by calling 518-860-3092.

Sheriff's Office: Foul Play Not Suspected in Schoharie Death, Victim Identified

      

The Sheriff's Office filed the following press release last evening:

Mark Trendell (35) of Sloansville, was found deceased in his vehicle on Orchard Street in the Village of Schoharie at about 11:40 am on Sunday February 9, 2014. 

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Schoharie Village Police, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time the investigation has revealed that, Mr. Trendell, had spent the evening in his vehicle in the driveway of an acquaintance, with their permission. The last contact was about 7:30 Saturday evening. At about 11:40 the acquaintance went to check on Mr. Trendell, who’s vehicle was still running in the driveway, and found Mr. Trendell unresponsive. The resident called 911. Responding police and Scho-Wright EMS determined that Mr. Trendell had passed. 

Foul play is not suspected, and any cause will not be determined until an autopsy is completed at a later time.  

State Police, Sheriff's Office Announce Three Arrests

Cobleskill State Police:

On January 23, 2014 the State Police in Cobleskill arrested Edward Cuprys, 54, of Gilboa New York for Criminal Contempt First Degree, Intimidating a Victim or Witness Third Degree and Criminal Mischief to his neighbor's property. Troopers arrested Cuprys after a five month investigation into the vandalism of his neighbor's residence. Cuprys was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and remanded to jail without bail.  

Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff's Deputies arrested Clifford Harris Jr. of Jefferson for charges of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration, both misdemeanors,  after he was involved in a property damage crash.  He was released on tickets to appear before the court at a later date.  

Sheriff's Deputies arrested Jerry McCluskey on a warrant for multiple charges stemming from a domestic altercation which occurred in the Town of Schoharie. He was arrested for Felony Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree, Misdemeanor Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, Criminal Trespass and Petit Larceny

Tillapaugh Appointed Chief Deputy in Sheriff's Office

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced the appointment of Deputy Sheriff Duane Tillapaugh, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for Sheriff against incumbent Tony Desmond in last year's election, as the Chief Deputy (and third in command) of the county's law enforcement force. 

Chief Deputy Tillapaugh has served in the Sheriff's Office for twenty-five years, during which he has obtained multiple certifications and attended additional training in many areas, including: Civil Law Training, Crime Scene Processing, Law Enforcement Photography, CPR/First Responder training and Composite Drawing/Indenti-Kit training.

Having started his law enforcement career at the jail as a Corrections Officer in 1988, Tillapaugh attended and graduated from the Zone Five Law Enforcement Training Academy at HVCC in the spring of 1990, after which he was assigned to the Town of Middleburgh, a paid contract for police coverage between the Town and the Sheriff's Office.

He has also served as a President and Vice-President of the SCSO Road Patrol Union, which has given him extensive experience in negotiations and working with police unions. More recently, Tillapaugh has been involved in handling many of the day to day responsibilities within the Sheriff's Office, ranging from supervising the County Sex Offenders Registry to handling arrest warrants.

In addition to a lifetime of law enforcement service, Tillapaugh has been a devoted husband of twenty-six years and is the proud father of two daughters.